Light signal deflecting device for an optical measuring system for detecting objects, measuring system, and method for operating a light signal deflecting device

ABSTRACT

A light signal redirection device ( 26 ) for an optical measurement system for capturing objects in a monitoring region, an optical measurement system, and a method for operating a light signal redirection device ( 26 ) are described. The light signal redirection device ( 26 ) comprises at least one redirection body ( 32 ) having at least one redirection region ( 34 ) for redirecting light signals ( 22 ). Furthermore, the light signal redirection device ( 26 ) comprises at least one drive device ( 36 ) with which the at least one redirection body ( 32 ) can be driven in such a way that the at least one redirection region ( 34 ) can be moved relative to respective propagation axes ( 23 ) of light signals ( 22 ) which are incident on the at least one redirection region ( 34 ). At least one redirection region ( 34 ) is at least partially curved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a light signal redirection device for anoptical measurement system for capturing objects in a monitoring region,

-   -   with at least one redirection body having at least one        redirection region for redirecting light signals,    -   with at least one drive device with which the at least one        redirection body can be driven in such a way that the at least        one redirection region can be moved relative to the respective        propagation axes of light signals that are incident on the at        least one redirection region.

The invention further relates to an optical measurement system forcapturing objects in a monitoring region,

-   -   with at least one transmission device with which light signals        can be generated,    -   with at least one light signal redirection device with which        light signals can be redirected,    -   and with at least one receiving device with which light signals        can be received,    -   wherein the at least one light signal redirection device has    -   at least one redirection body having at least one redirection        region for redirecting light signals, and    -   at least one drive device with which the at least one        redirection body can be driven in such a way that the at least        one redirection region can be moved relative to the respective        propagation axes of light signals that are incident on the at        least one redirection region.

The invention additionally relates to a method for operating a lightsignal redirection device for an optical measurement system forcapturing objects in a monitoring region,

-   -   in which light signals are redirected with at least one        redirection region of at least one redirection body,    -   wherein the at least one redirection body is driven with at        least one drive device in such a way that the at least one        redirection region is moved relative to the respective        propagation axes of light signals that are incident on the at        least one redirection region.

PRIOR ART

An optical object capturing device for a motor vehicle is known from WO2014/095105 A1, with a transmission unit for transmitting a transmissionlight beam, with a reception unit for receiving a reception light beam,and with an electronic evaluation device for detecting an objectexternal to the vehicle in an area surrounding the motor vehicledepending on the reception beam. The transmission unit has a transmitterfor generating the transmission light beam, a controllablemicro-oscillating mirror with which the transmission light beam ispivotable at least in one pivoting direction, and a transmission lensarranged in the transmission beam path behind the micro-oscillatingmirror.

The invention is based on the object of designing alight signalredirection device, a measurement system, and a method of the typementioned in the introductory part, with which light signals can beredirected better, in particular more easily, more reliably and/or moresecurely.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved according to the invention in the case of thelight signal redirection device by virtue of the fact that at least oneredirection region is at least partially curved.

According to the invention, at least one redirection region has at leastone curvature. By correspondingly moving the redirection body relativeto the propagation axis of a light signal, a point of incidence at whichthe light signal is incident on the at least one redirection region ischanged. Due to the curvature of the at least one redirection region,the movement of the redirection body means that one and the samepropagation axis impinges on different points of incidence at differentangles of incidence. In this way, the light signal is redirecteddifferently depending on the point of incidence. Thus, by simply movingthe at least one redirection region, the propagation axes of the lightsignals can be pivoted.

Furthermore, due to the simple structure, an adjustment effort for thelight signal redirection device and thus the measurement system can bereduced.

Due to the corresponding curvatures, a corresponding monitoring regionof the measurement system can be scanned in a flexible and targetedmanner. The monitoring region is defined by the field of view of themeasurement system. The field of view of the measurement system can beindividually adapted by designing the redirection region accordingly.

Furthermore, a resolution of the measurement system can be deliberatelyinfluenced by the selection of the respective curvature. The resolutioncan be characterized by a density of measurements in a section of themonitoring region. The more measurements are carried out in a section ofthe monitoring region, the greater the resolution.

Advantageously, a greater resolution can be specified in particular inthe center of the monitoring region than in the peripheral region by acorresponding curvature of the at least one redirection region. Inparticular when using the measurement system to monitor a monitoringregion in the direction of travel in front of or behind a motor vehicle,a greater resolution may be required in the center of the monitoringregion, since there is a greater risk of collision for objects there.The risk of collision is correspondingly lower in the peripheral region,and therefore a lower resolution may be sufficient there.

Furthermore, the curvature of the at least one redirection region canmake it possible to reduce the requirements in terms of the mobilityand/or the type of movement of the at least one redirection body as awhole. The service life of the light signal redirection device can thusbe increased compared to light signal redirection devices with rotatingor oscillating mirrors. In addition, a larger emission surface can beimplemented with the aid of a corresponding curvature of the at leastone redirection region. In this way, the eye safety of the measurementsystem can be improved.

With the predetermined local curvature and slope of the at least oneredirection region, it is possible to not only steer the propagationaxis of the light signals to be redirected in order to shape themonitoring region. In addition, the beam divergence of the light signalscan be changed if necessary.

Advantageously, at least one light signal can be realized in the form ofa light pulse. A start and an end of a light pulse can be determined, inparticular measured. In this way, it is possible to measure inparticular light travel times.

Advantageously, at least one light signal can also contain furtherinformation. For example, a light signal can in particular be encoded.In this way, it is easier to identify it and/or for it to carry alongcorresponding information.

The propagation axis of a light signal indicates the mean direction inwhich a light signal propagates. The light signal can in this case befocused or expanded with respect to the propagation axis. The lightsignal can also be focused in one direction and expanded in anotherdirection. In this way, the light signal can be fanned out.

The optical measurement system can advantageously operate in accordancewith a time-of-flight method, in particular a light pulse time-of-flightmethod. Optical measurement systems operating in accordance with thelight pulse time-of-flight method can be designed and referred to astime-of-flight systems (TOF), light detection and ranging systems(LiDAR), laser detection and ranging systems (LaDAR) or the like. Here,a time of flight from the emission of a light signal using thetransmission device and the receipt of the corresponding reflected lightsignal using the corresponding receiving device of the measurementsystem is measured, and a distance between the measurement system andthe captured object is ascertained therefrom.

The optical measurement system can advantageously be designed as ascanning system, in particular a laser scanner. In this context, amonitoring region can be sampled, that is to say, scanned, with lightsignals. To this end, the propagation axes of the corresponding lightsignals can be swept, as it were, over the monitoring region. The lightsignal redirection device is used for this purpose.

The optical measurement system can be used advantageously in a vehicle,in particular a motor vehicle. The measurement system can advantageouslybe used in a land-based vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, atruck, a bus, a motorcycle or the like, an aircraft and/or a watercraft.The measurement system can also be used in vehicles that can be operatedautonomously or partially autonomously. The measurement system can alsobe used in stationary operation.

The optical measurement system can be used to capture standing or movingobjects, in particular vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, roadunevennesses, in particular potholes or rocks, roadway boundaries, freespaces, in particular free parking spaces, or the like.

Advantageously, the optical measurement system can be part of a driverassistance system and/or of a chassis control system of a vehicle or beconnected thereto. The information ascertained with the opticalmeasurement system can be used for controlling function components ofthe vehicle. The function components can be used to control inparticular driving functions, in particular steering, a brake systemand/or a motor, and/or signaling devices of the vehicle. For example, ifan object is captured using the optical measurement system, thecorresponding function components can be used to steer the vehicleand/or change the speed thereof, in particular stop it, and/or at leastone signal is output.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection region can bedisplaceable along at least one line or along a surface. In this way,the point of incidence of a light signal can be displaced into a part ofthe redirection region having a different curvature and thus theredirection of the light signal can be changed.

Displacements of the at least one redirection region along a line can beeasily implemented.

With displacements along a line, the light signals can be redirected inone dimension. With displacements of the at least one redirection regionalong a surface, the light signals can be redirected in two dimensions.

Advantageously, at least one redirection region can be displaceablealong at least one straight line. In this way, a one-dimensionaldisplacement can be implemented easily and reproducibly. Furthermore,the space required for the displacement is less than in the case of adisplacement along a curved line.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one redirection region canadvantageously be displaceable along at least one plane. In this way,two-dimensional displacement can easily be reproducibly realized.Furthermore, the space required for the displacement is less than in thecase of a displacement along a curved surface.

A two-dimensional displacement and a two-dimensional curvature of atleast one redirection region can advantageously be combined. In thisway, a targeted and reproducible redirection of the light signals in twodimensions and thus scanning of the monitoring region in two dimensionscan be implemented.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one drive device canhave at least one linear drive, or consist thereof.

With a linear drive, the at least one redirection region can bedisplaced along at least one line, in particular at least one straightline. Moreover, linear drives can be controlled easily and precisely.

Furthermore, in the case of linear drives, a position of the at leastone redirection region can be determined precisely in particular withthe aid of encoders. It is possible to determine the points of incidenceof the light signals from the position of the at least one redirectionregion and, with knowledge of the corresponding curvatures of the atleast one redirection region in the points of incidence, to ascertain ameasure for the redirection of the light signal.

The at least one drive device can advantageously have at least twolinear drives. In this way, the at least one redirection region can bedisplaced along a surface, in particular a plane. Advantageously, the atleast two linear drives can displace the at least one redirection regionin directions that are in particular orthogonal to one another.

Advantageously, at least one drive device can have at least one piezomotor. Piezo motors can be implemented with smaller sizes thanelectromagnetic motors with comparable performance.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection regioncan be curved at least partially concavely and/or at least partiallyconvexly when viewed in the direction of the incident light signals. Inthis way, a corresponding redirection can be specified as required.

The at least one redirection region can here be curved exclusivelyconcavely or exclusively convexly.

Alternatively, at least a part of the at least one redirection regioncan be curved concavely and at least a part of the at least oneredirection region can be curved convexly. In this way, correspondingredirection patterns can be specified, with which the propagation axesof the light signals are to be swept.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection regioncan be curved at least partially parabolically and/or at least partiallyconically and/or at least partially elliptically and/or at leastpartially circularly. In this way, individual redirection patterns canbe implemented, with which the propagation axes of the light signals areto be swept.

Advantageously, the at least one redirection region can be curvedexclusively parabolically or exclusively conically or exclusivelyelliptically or exclusively circularly. Alternatively, the at least oneredirection region can have combinations of the aforementioned or othercurvatures.

The at least one redirection region can advantageously be shaped freely.An individual redirection pattern for the light signals can thus beimplemented with the at least one redirection region.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection regioncan be curved at least partially in one dimension and/or be curved atleast partially in two dimensions.

Advantageously, at least one redirection region can be curved at leastpartially in one dimension. A curvature in one dimension can be realizedmore easily than a curvature in two dimensions. A redirection regionthat is curved in one dimension can easily be combined with adisplacement of the at least one redirection region along at least oneline. In this way, the propagation axes of light signals can be swept inone dimension.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one redirection region canadvantageously be curved at least partially in two dimensions, inparticular cylindrically, spherically, ellipsoidally or the like. Aredirection region curved in two dimensions can easily be combined witha displacement of the at least one redirection region along a surface.In this way, the propagation axes of light signals can be swept in twodimensions.

Alternatively, at least one redirection region can have areas in whichit is curved in one dimension and areas in which it is curved in twodimensions. In this way, a deflection pattern for redirecting thepropagation axes of the light signals can be specified moreindividually.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection regioncan be periodically movable. In this way, the light signals can beredirected periodically. Thus, the monitoring region can be sampled,that is to say scanned, with light signals by the corresponding periodicmovement of the at least one redirection region.

Advantageously, the at least one redirection region can be moved in aharmonically oscillating manner, in particular displaced. In this way, asinusoidal course of the deflection can be realized. The correspondingdeflection of the at least one redirection region from a zero positioncan thus be determined more easily.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection region can haveat least one mirror surface and/or at least one redirection region canhave at least one diffractive optical structure.

With mirror surfaces, light signals can be redirected directly. Mirrorsurfaces can be easily implemented.

With diffractive optical structures, light signals can be shaped, inparticular diffracted. In this way, the light signals can be redirected.

Advantageously, at least one diffractive optical structure can bedesigned as a diffractive optical element. Diffractive optical elements(DoE) can be manufactured individually and be adapted to thecorresponding requirements. Diffractive optical elements can be used toachieve targeted and individually prescribable shaping, in particulardiffraction, of the light signals.

Advantageously, at least one redirection region can have a transmissiveeffect for the light signals. In this way, a transmission device and/ora receiving device of the measurement system can be arranged on the sideof the at least one redirection region opposite the monitoring region.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one redirection region for thelight signals can advantageously have a reflective effect. In this way,the transmission device and/or the receiving device can be arranged onthe same side of the at least one redirection region as the monitoringregion.

The at least one redirection region can advantageously include orconsist of polymer, glass, metal or the like or a combination ofdifferent such or other suitable materials. Such materials canthemselves act as mirror surfaces and/or as carriers of mirror surfacesand/or as carriers, in particular substrates, for diffractive opticalstructures.

Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention in thecase of the measurement system by virtue of the fact that at least oneredirection region is at least partially curved.

According to the invention, the at least one redirection region has atleast one curvature, with the result that by moving the at least oneredirection region relative to the corresponding propagation axes, theincident light signals are diverted depending on the curvature at thepoint of incidence.

The transmission device can advantageously have at least one lightsource. The transmission device can advantageously transmit pulsed lightsignals. In this way, the duration of the light signals can be limited.This makes it easier to implement a time-of-flight measurement, sincethe beginning and end of the light signal can be precisely determined.

Advantageously, at least one light source can have at least one laser.The laser can advantageously be a semiconductor laser, in particular asurface emitter (VCSEL), an edge emitter, a fiber laser or the like. Thelaser can be used to emit light signals in frequency ranges that arevisible or not visible to the human eye. Furthermore, pulsed lightsignals can be emitted with a laser. The pulse length can be preciselyspecified in that case.

At least one transmission device can advantageously have at least oneoptical system, in particular an optical lens or the like. The opticalsystem can be used to shape the generated light signals, in particularto set a beam divergence.

The at least one receiving device can have at least one receiver, inparticular an (avalanche) photodiode, a diode array, a CCD array or thelike. Light signals can be converted into in particular electricalsignals using such receivers. Electrical signals can be processed withan electronic control and evaluation device of the measurement system.

At least one receiver can advantageously have at least one opticalsystem, in particular an optical lens or a fisheye lens or the like. Inthis way, light signals that are reflected by at least one redirectionregion can be better directed onto the receiver.

In one advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection region can bedisplaceable relative to at least one transmission direction and/or atleast one redirection region can be displaceable relative to at leastone receiving device.

Advantageously, at least one redirection region can be displaceablerelative to at least one transmission device. In this way, transmitterlight signals can be redirected into the monitoring region using thelight signal redirection device.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one redirection region canadvantageously be displaceable relative to at least one receivingdevice. In this way, reception light signals can be redirected to the atleast one receiving device using the light signal redirection device.Reception light signals are transmitter light signals that are reflectedby an object present for example in the monitoring region.

One and the same redirection region can advantageously be assigned to atleast one transmission device and at least one receiving device. In thisway, both the transmitter light signals and the reception light signalscan be redirected with only one redirection region.

Alternatively, at least one redirection region assigned to at least onetransmission device and at least one other redirection region assignedto at least one receiving device can be mechanically coupled to oneanother. In this way, the redirection regions can be driven together. Inthis way, outlay in relation to drive devices can be reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one redirection regioncan be displaceable relative to at least one propagation axis of atleast one transmission light signal and/or at least one redirectionregion can be displaceable relative to at least one propagation axis ofat least one reception light signal. In this way, transmitter lightsignals can be redirected into the monitoring region using at least oneredirection region. Alternatively or additionally, reception lightsignals coming from the monitoring region can be redirected to at leastone receiving device using at least one redirection region.

In addition, the object is achieved according to the invention in thecase of the method by virtue of the fact that at least one propagationaxis is assigned to different points of incidence of the at least oneredirection region, which have different angles of incidence to the atleast one propagation axis due to at least one curvature of the at leastone redirection region, by moving the at least one redirection region.

According to the invention, the at least one redirection region has atleast one curvature, which is displaced by the movement of the at leastone redirection region relative to the at least one propagation axis. Inthis way, the point of incidence of the light signals is displaced inregions with different angles of incidence to the at least onepropagation axis, meaning that the light signals are deflecteddifferently.

Moreover, the features and advantages indicated in connection with thelight signal redirection device according to the invention, themeasurement system according to the invention, and the method accordingto the invention and the respective advantageous configurations thereofapply here in a mutually corresponding manner and vice versa.

The individual features and advantages can of course be combined withone another, wherein further advantageous effects can occur that gobeyond the sum of the individual effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention are apparentfrom the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of theinvention will be explained in more detail with reference to thedrawing. A person skilled in the art will also expediently consider thefeatures, which have been disclosed in combination in the drawing, thedescription and the claims, individually and combine them to formfurther meaningful combinations. Schematically,

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a passenger vehicle with a driverassistance system and an optical measurement system for monitoring amonitoring region in front of the passenger vehicle in the direction oftravel;

FIG. 2 shows a functional illustration of the passenger vehicle fromFIG. 1 with the driver assistance system and the measurement system;

FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of a transmission device and alight signalredirection device according to a first exemplary embodiment of themeasurement system from FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of a receiving device and the light signalredirection device according to the first exemplary embodiment of themeasurement system from FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a light signal redirection deviceaccording to a second exemplary embodiment, which can be used in themeasurement system from FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a transmission device and alight signalredirection device according to a third exemplary embodiment, which canbe used in the measurement system from FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the figures, identical components are provided with the samereference numerals.

EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 in the form of a passenger vehicle in afront view. The vehicle 10 has an optical measurement system 12, whichis arranged, for example, in the front bumper of the vehicle 10. Theoptical measurement system 12 can be used to monitor a monitoring region14, indicated in FIG. 2, in the driving direction 16 in front of thevehicle 10 for objects 18. The monitoring region 14 can be sampled, thatis to say scanned, using the optical measurement system 12.

Rather than being arranged in the front bumper, the optical measurementsystem 12 can also be arranged at another point on the vehicle 10 anddirected in a different direction. A plurality of optical measurementsystems 12 can also be provided on the vehicle 10.

The objects 18 can be, for example, standing or moving objects, forexample other vehicles, persons, animals, obstacles, road unevennesses,potholes or rocks, road boundaries, free spaces, free parking spaces orthe like.

Furthermore, the vehicle 10 has a driver assistance system 20 with whichdriving functions, for example steering functions, braking functionsand/or motor functions, of the vehicle 10 can be at least partiallycontrolled or a driver can be supported. Furthermore, information can beoutput to the driver using the driver assistance system 20. The vehicle10 can be operated autonomously or partially autonomously with the aidof the driver assistance system 20.

The measurement system 12 is connected to the driver assistance system20 for the transmission of signals. In this way, information obtainedwith the measurement system 12, for example about objects 18 in themonitoring region 14, can be transmitted to the driver assistance system20.

The optical measurement system 12 is designed, for example, as a laserscanner. Using the optical measurement system 12, transmitter lightsignals 22 are sent into the monitoring region 14, for example in theform of laser pulses. The direction of a propagation axis 23 of thetransmitter light signals 22 into the monitoring region 14 is varied inthis case, so that the monitoring region 14 can be scanned as a whole.Using the measurement system 12, distances, directions and speeds ofcaptured objects 18 relative to the vehicle 10 can be ascertained.

The propagation axis of light signals within the meaning of theinvention characterizes their main direction of propagation. The lightsignals themselves can be focused or defocused in relation to thepropagation axis.

The measurement system 12 comprises a transmission device 24, a lightsignal redirection device 26, a receiving device 28 and an electroniccontrol and evaluation device 30. The receiving device 28 can bearranged spatially below the transmission device 24, for example, viewedin the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2.The receiving device 28 is therefore shown partially covered by thetransmission device 24 in FIG. 2.

The transmission device 24 has a laser, for example a diode laser, withwhich the transmitter light signals 22 can be generated and transmitted.Furthermore, the transmission device 24 comprises an optical system, forexample with a lens, with which the transmitter light signals 22 can beshaped, for example focused in one direction and expanded in anotherdirection, for example perpendicular thereto. The transmission device 24is connected in a controllable manner to the control and evaluationdevice 30.

The light signal redirection device 26 with the transmission device 24is shown in detail in FIG. 3, wherein the beam path of the transmitterlight signals 22 is shown.

The light signal redirection device 26 has a redirection body in theform of a redirection mirror 32 having a mirror surface 34 as aredirection region for redirecting light signals. The mirror surface 34is in this case located on the side facing the transmission device 24.The mirror surface 34 is curved elliptically, for example. By way ofexample, the mirror surface 34 is concave viewed from the transmissiondevice 24, that is, in the direction of the transmitter light signals22. The mirror surface 34, viewed in the direction perpendicular to theplane of the drawing, has constantly the same curvature. By way ofexample, the mirror surface 34 extends along a lateral surface of onehalf of an elliptical cylinder, the axis of which is perpendicular tothe plane of the drawing in FIG. 3.

Furthermore, the light signal redirection device 26 has a drive device36, for example in the form of a linear piezo motor. The drive device 36is connected to the redirection mirror 32 in such a way that it candisplace the redirection mirror 32 and thus the mirror surface 34 alongan imaginary line 38, for example a straight line. In this way, themirror surface 34 can periodically be pushed back and forth along theimaginary line 38, for example in harmonic oscillation, which isindicated by a double-headed arrow. In FIG. 3, the redirection mirror 32is shown in its zero position I with continuous lines. For comparison,the redirection mirror 32 is shown with dashed lines in FIG. 3 in anexemplary deflection position II.

The mirror surface 34 is located in the beam path of the transmitterlight signals 22 behind the transmission device 24. The transmitterlight signals 22 are transmitted onto the mirror surface 34 and arecorrespondingly directed by the latter into the monitoring region 14,depending on the curvature of the mirror surface 34 in the region of apoint of incidence 40 on the transmitter. The corresponding propagationaxis 23 is redirected in the process. By displacing the mirror surface34 along the line 38, the point of incidence 40 on the transmitter forthe transmitter light signals 22 is changed.

To make it easier to distinguish, the point of incidence 40 on thetransmitter in the zero position I of the mirror surface 34 is providedwith the index I, that is to say denoted by 40I. Correspondingly, thepoint of incidence 40 on the transmitter in the shown deflectionposition II of the mirror surface 34 is provided with the index II, thatis to say denoted by 40II. In the point of incidence 40I on thetransmitter, the transmitter light signals 22 are incident on the mirrorsurface 34 at a different angle of incidence than in the point ofincidence 40II on the transmitter.

As a result of the periodic displacement of the mirror surface 34, thepropagation axis 23 of the transmitter light signals 22 in themonitoring region 14 is swept in one dimension. The monitoring region 14is thus scanned with the transmitter light signals 22.

To make it easier to distinguish, the transmitter light signals 22 inFIG. 3, which are reflected in the zero position I of the mirror surface34 in the point of incidence 40I on the transmitter, and theirredirected propagation axis 23 are provided with the index I, i.e.designated 22I and 23I. Accordingly, the transmitter light signals 22,which are reflected in the deflection position II in the point ofincidence 40II on the transmitter, and their redirected propagation axis23 are provided with the index II, that is to say are denoted by 22IIand 23II and are additionally shown with dashed lines.

The light signal redirection device 26 furthermore has a positioncapturing device (which is of no further interest here), with which theinstantaneous deflection of the mirror surface 34 can be captured. Thedeflection of the mirror surface 34 characterizes the redirecting effecton the transmitter light signals 22.

The light signal redirection device 26, or the drive device 36 and theposition capturing device, are connected to the control and evaluationdevice 30 for the transmission of signals. The light signal redirectiondevice 26 can thus be controlled or regulated with the control andevaluation device 30. In addition, the instantaneous deflection of themirror surface 34 can be transmitted to the control and evaluationdevice 30 and processed thereby.

The transmitter light signals 22 can be reflected at an object 18, forexample present in the monitoring region 14, and sent back as reflectedreception light signals 42 to the light signal redirection device 26.Using the light signal redirection device 26, the reception lightsignals 42 can be redirected to the receiving device 28.

FIG. 4 shows the light signal redirection device 26 with the receivingdevice 28 and the beam path of the reception light signals 42. Themirror surface 34 is shown there by way of example in accordance withFIG. 3 in the zero position I and the deflection position II.

To make it easier to distinguish, the reception light signals 42, whichcome from the direction into which the transmitter light signals 22I aresent in the zero position I of the mirror surface 34 in accordance withFIG. 3, and their propagation axis 43 are provided with the index I,that is to say are denoted by 42I and 43I. The reception light signals42I are incident on the reception point of incidence 44I and areredirected to the receiving device 28 in accordance with the curvatureof the mirror surface 34 that is present there.

The reception light signals 42, which come from the direction into whichthe transmitter light signals 22II are sent in the deflection positionII of the mirror surface 34 in accordance with FIG. 3, and theirpropagation axis 43 are provided with the index II, that is to say aredenoted by 42II and 43II, and are additionally shown with dashed lines.The reception light signals 42II are incident on the reception point ofincidence 44II and are likewise redirected to the receiving device 28 inaccordance with the curvature of the mirror surface 34 that is presentthere, which brings about a different angle of incidence than thereception point of incidence 44I.

Rather than a common mirror surface 34 for the transmitter light signals22 and the reception light signals 42, separate mirror surfaces can alsobe provided for the transmitter light signals 22 and the reception lightsignals 42. The mirror surfaces can be mechanically coupled to oneanother so that they can be driven together, for example with a singledrive device 36.

The reception light signals 42 are received with the receiving device28. The receiving device 28 has a receiver with which the receptionlight signals 42 can be converted into signals, for example electricalsignals, which can be utilized with the control and evaluation device30. The receiver can for example have at least one (avalanche)photodiode, at least one diode array and/or at least one CCD array orthe like.

Furthermore, the receiving device 28 has an optical system, for examplehaving an optical lens, with which the reception light signals 42 can befocused on the receiver.

The receiving device 28 is connected to the control and evaluationdevice 30 for the transmission of signals. In this way, the receivingdevice 28 can be controlled with the control and evaluation device 30.In addition, the signals of the receiving device 28 can be transmittedto the control and evaluation device 30 in this way.

The measurement system 12 can be controlled with the control andevaluation device 30. The control and evaluation device 30 isimplemented using hardware and software technology. The elements of thecontrol and evaluation device 30 can be implemented as a unit, forexample in a shared housing. Alternatively, some of the elements or allelements of the control and evaluation device 30 can be implementedseparately from one another.

FIG. 5 shows a light signal redirection device 26 according to a secondexemplary embodiment. The elements that are similar to those of thefirst exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 3 and 4 are provided with the samereference signs. The second exemplary embodiment differs from the firstexemplary embodiment in that the mirror surface 34 is convexly curvedwhen viewed from the transmission device 24 and the incident transmitterlight signals 22 and reception light signals 42.

FIG. 6 shows a light signal redirection device 26 according to a thirdexemplary embodiment. The elements that are similar to those of thefirst exemplary embodiment from FIGS. 3 and 4 are provided with the samereference signs. The third exemplary embodiment differs from the firstexemplary embodiment in that a mirror surface 234 of the redirectionmirror 32 is curved in two dimensions. Furthermore, the mirror surface234 can be displaced in two dimensions along an imaginary surface 238using the corresponding drive device 236. The imaginary surface 238 isformed, for example, by a plane that is spanned by two straight linesthat are perpendicular to one another and that are indicated by dashedlines in FIG. 6.

Using the light signal redirection device 26 according to the thirdexemplary embodiment, the propagation axes 23 of the transmitter lightsignals 22 can be swept into the monitoring region 14 in two dimensions.The monitoring region 14 can thus be scanned in two dimensions.Accordingly, reception light signals 42 can be redirected using themirror surface 234 from the monitoring region 14 to the receiving device28, not shown in FIG. 6.

1. A light signal redirection device for an optical measurement systemfor capturing objects in a monitoring region, comprising: at least oneredirection body having at least one redirection region for redirectinglight signals; and at least one drive device with which the at least oneredirection body is driven in such a way that the at least oneredirection region is moved relative to respective propagation axes oflight signals, which are incident on the at least one redirectionregion, wherein at least one redirection region is at least partiallycurved.
 2. The light signal redirection device as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least one redirection region is displaceable along at leastone line or along a surface.
 3. The light signal redirection device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least one drive device has or consists ofat least one linear drive.
 4. The light signal redirection device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least one redirection region is curved atleast partially concavely and/or at least partially convexly when viewedin the direction of the incident light signals.
 5. The light signalredirection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least oneredirection region is curved at least partially parabolically and/or atleast partially conically and/or at least partially elliptically and/orat least partially circularly.
 6. The light signal redirection device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least one redirection region is at leastpartially curved in one dimension and/or is at least partially curved intwo dimensions.
 7. The light signal redirection device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein at least one redirection region is periodicallymovable.
 8. The light signal redirection device as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least one redirection region has at least one mirror surfaceand/or at least one redirection region has at least one diffractiveoptical structure.
 9. An optical measurement system for capturingobjects in a monitoring region, comprising: at least one transmissiondevice for generating light signals; at least one light signalredirection device for redirecting light signals; and at least onereceiving device for receiving light signals, wherein the at least onelight signal redirection device has: at least one redirection bodyhaving at least one redirection region for redirecting light signals,and at least one drive device for driving the at least one redirectionbody so the at least one redirection region is moved relative torespective propagation axes of light signals which are incident on theat least one redirection region, wherein at least one redirection regionis at least partially curved.
 10. The optical measurement system asclaimed in claim 9, wherein at least one redirection region isdisplaceable relative to at least one transmission device and/or atleast one redirection region is displaceable relative to at least onereceiving device.
 11. The optical measurement system as claimed in claim9, wherein at least one redirection region is displaceable relative toat least one propagation axis of at least one transmission light signaland/or at least one redirection region is displaceable relative to atleast one propagation axis of at least one reception light signal.
 12. Amethod for operating a light signal redirection device for an opticalmeasurement system for capturing objects in a monitoring region, lightsignals are redirected with at least one redirection region of at leastone redirection body, wherein the at least one redirection body isdriven with at least one drive device in such a way that the at leastone redirection region is moved relative to respective propagation axesof light signals which are incident on the at least one redirectionregion, wherein at least one propagation axis is assigned to differentpoints of incidence of the at least one redirection region, which havedifferent angles of incidence to the at least one propagation axis dueto at least one curvature of the at least one redirection region, bymoving at least one redirection region.